Quick Links

Firefox: Download Manager

The following is an overview of a Mozilla Firefox-exclusive feature, the download manager.

To Access the Download Manager:

1. Press CTRL + J on the keyboard, or you click the Downloads button located at the top of the page to the right of the address bar. A small menu will appear that would show the downloads for the current browsing session. Click Show All Downloads to see more.

2. The download manager allows you to browse current and finished downloads.

3. You can also observe files as they are downloading onto your computer. The download manager will display the name and speed of the current download, along with the download time remaining.

NOTE: The download manager also gives you the option to pause or cancel any current downloads. When a download is complete, you can select Clean Up to remove all finished downloads from the download manager listing.

4. The download manager also allows you to observe the location that files are sent to when downloaded onto your computer. By selecting the folder icon following the text: "All files downloaded to:," the download manager will open the folder. In the default case, the Desktop folder will open.

To Change the Default Folder for Files Downloaded from the Mozilla Firefox Web Browser:

1. Open Options from the bottom of the Firefox home page. Here you can customize the download manager options.

2. Under the subsection labeled Downloads, there is a bullet point that says "Save files to...". Select Browse to change the folder from Desktop to a different location.

NOTE: If you download many files, you may want to look into a more advanced download manager, such as Download Statusbar, a Mozilla Firefox extension found HERE.

GROK is a resource of Louisiana State University developed and maintained with support of the LSU Student Technology Fee. We love getting feedback from the general public, but our support efforts are generally dedicated to the LSU community. Thanks for your understanding!